Amid the pandemic, Riis Settlement is grateful to be able to continue serving New York City’s immigrant community and engaging volunteers in this important work. Through an initiative with Women for Afghan Women, we offer free, online classes to help adult immigrants prepare for the US citizenship interview and civics test. Additionally, with the support of New York Cares, Riis engages a dedicated group of volunteer tutors to assist the students enrolled in these classes. Tutors help to review class materials, conduct mock interviews, and more.
Lisa Edmondson, the New York Cares team leader for this project, expressed the positive impacts of this partnership: “The students come from different countries and speak different native languages, but all share a deep desire to learn. They are so appreciative of our volunteers, and it is gratifying to see their eyes light up when they arrive in the main Zoom room and see that their regular study partners are waiting to work with them.”
The students, too, emphasize how working with the volunteers has allowed them to gain experience speaking a new language and become more comfortable with interviews. “The volunteers helped me to practice speaking and improve my English. They also gave me more confidence to speak with Americans.” said Mervat, a past student. Karla, a student from our most recent fall class semester, said, “My tutor helped me with pronunciation, and with questions and answers as if it was an interview. An excellent tutor.”
Volunteer, co-team leader, and Astoria resident Ashleigh Lovett noted how continuing this work during the pandemic has been important to both learners and volunteers: “I love the opportunity to spend time helping my neighbors. Before COVID-19, I enjoyed practicing English with immigrants in my community, and I’ve been so happy that despite the pandemic, Riis Settlement has arranged online tutoring, so I can continue to connect and support my neighbors as they pursue their US citizenship. I look forward to our quality time practicing and getting to know each other each week.”
In addition to free online citizenship classes, Riis offers free online English classes for learners of all levels, case management, legal services, and more. If you are interested in volunteering for this program, the opportunity is listed here. For other volunteer opportunities, please visit our Volunteer tab on our website.
